* Comparatively speaking, this was a relatively easy week — very few games matching ranked teams, not many upsets, not much info to throw what I had previously into chaos … and the losers at the bottom of the ballot had ready and able replacements, which isn’t always the case.

* I moved LSU to No. 3 after its win at Georgia and dropped Houston a dozen spots after its loss to UTEP — yes, that’s lower than Oklahoma State, which lost to Houston a month ago.

But head-to-head can be the determining factor for only a couple weeks, because at some point results come in that dictate a change (like Houston losing to previously one-win UTEP).

* The other big mover was USC, which I bumped from No. 9 to No. 4 following the win at Cal.

The more the Trojans win with Matt Barkley, the less significant their loss without him becomes. That’s the way I approach my poll when it comes to quarterback injuries, because it’s such an important position and because injuries can skew results.

As I posed to a friend last night: What happens if Boise State finishes 123-0 and USC finishes 11-1, the loss coming without Barkley? The Trojans will have played a much tougher schedule, beaten far more quality teams, but they’d have a loss. Which team gets ranked higher?

It’s a tough one — you could make a case either way. My guess is that some voters would lean USC and some would lean BSU.

But that’s an extrapolation of the QB injury issue that I grapple with on a weekly basis.

3. LSU (5-0)Last week: 6Result: Beat Georgia 20-13Current AP rank: 4Next up: vs. FloridaComment: Having beaten back the Dawgs, LSU next gets Florida, then a bye, then Auburn, the Tulane, then Alabama, then LaTech, the Ole Miss — that’s five ranked teams in two months.

4. USC (4-1)Last week: 9Result: Beat Cal 30-3Current AP rank: 7Next up: ByeComment: After the 10/17 trip to South Bend, the well-traveled Trojans will have just two road games in the final seven weeks.

5. Miami (3-1)Last week: 10Result: Beat Oklahoma 21-20Current AP rank: 11Next up: vs. Florida A&MComment: Canes survived the toughest first month in the country with one loss, which means they’re in the BCS hunt to stay.

7. Florida (4-0)Last week: 4Result: ByeCurrent AP rank: 1Next up: at LSUComment: Dropped the Gators because of Tennessee’s home loss to Auburn and because USC and Miami both warranted jumping over the Gators, whose best win (at Kentucky) isn’t very good.

8. Cincinnati (5-0)Last week: 7Result: Beat Miami-Ohio 37-13Current AP rank: 8Next up: ByeComment: And how many us figured Tony Pike would have a stronger Heisman case at this point than Jahvid Best?

10. Oklahoma State (3-1)Last week: 11Result: ByeCurrent AP rank: 15Next up:Comment: Had expected to drop OSU because of Houston’s loss, but I couldn’t find a team with a better resume — the victory over Georgia loses no luster because the Dawgs lost in the final minute to LSU.

11. Nebraska (3-1)Last week: 12Result: ByeCurrent AP rank: 21Next up: at Missouri (Thursday)Comment: Last-second loss at VaTech looks better by the week and more than offsets the cupcake wins. It’s about proving you belong and that can be done with a win or loss, as long as it’s a quality win or loss.

13. Oklahoma (2-2)Last week: 13Result: Lost to Miami 21-20Current AP rank: 19Next up: vs. BaylorComment: I don’t usually drop teams for close road losses to better/higher-ranked teams, and that was the case this week with the Sooners.

15. Oregon (4-1)Last week: 16Result: Beat Washington State 52-6Current AP rank: 13Next up: at UCLAComment: After that comes Washington (road), USC (home) and Stanford (road). Three out of four would be a heck of an accomplishment.

16. Georgia (3-2)Last week: 17Result: Lost to LSU 20-13Current AP rank: NRNext up: at TennesseeComment: Both losses were to top-10 teams (at the time of kickoff). And the Dawgs have three more ranked teams coming up.

17. Houston (3-1)Last week: 3Result: Lost to UTEP 58-41Current AP rank: NRNext up:Comment: Dropped the Cougars 14 spots — not a good loss, not good at all. But the OSU/TTU wins warrant a spot on the ballot.

19. South Carolina (4-1)Last week: 20Result: Beat S.C. State 38-14Current AP rank: 25Next up: vs. KentuckyComment: Only one team has scored more than 16 points on the Gamecocks. Typical Spurrier team.

20. TCU (4-0)Last week: 21Result:Beat SMU 39-14Current AP rank: 10Next up: at Air ForceComment: Don’t have the Frogs higher because their best wins have come against second-rate ACC teams (UVa and Air Force).

22. South Florida (5-0)Last week: 18Result: Beat Syracuse 34-20Current AP rank: 23Next up: ByeComment: The 10/15 showdown with Cincy shapes up as the Big East game of the year, which makes it a BCS elimination game, too.

23. BYU (4-1)Last week: 24Result: Beat Utah State 35-17Current AP rank: 18Next up: at UNLVComment: Have to figure the Cougars will post a 50-spot on UNLV, which just gave up 63 points and 773 yards to Nevada.

Jon Wilner

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I’m not sure how the win at Cal moves $c up. This is the worst offensive unit Cal has fielded in over 20 years. Miami’s win seems much more impressive. As far as Boise State goes, they play NO ONE in the top 50 for the rest of the year. Quality wins begets BCS games. I think the MWC champion deserves a shot at the big time bowls over BSU.

Trojan4Ever

Look at USC SOS in the Sagarin ratings. It is the highest of any team in the top 12. Maybe that is why he has USC tops in the computer poll (even tho we are 4th in the part that is used in the BCS).

J.

Where’s ASU??? They lost again, shouldn’t they move up to 15?

James B.

So what’s the justification to have OK #13? Based on results which is how you like to do things Jon should have them out of the top 25. 2 wins over Idaho State and Tulsa and the only team in the top 25 with two losses.

You can’t rank them where they would MAYBE be if Bradford were healthy. What happens if Bradford doesn’t return? What happens if they lose six games and then Bradford comes back and they win one? Should they jump back up to preseason expectations?

Of course not. Stop treating them like they are last years team until they can start proving it on the field with WINS using the personnel they have and not who you would hope they have or how they would have played if they had someone else.

Derek

Jon, how do you justify your rankings? Do you actually watch the games or do you throw darts at a board while blindfolded? Miami at #5 with a 1 point win over an over rated Oklahoma at home?!?! Two weeks ago you had Florida at #5, then last week, you had Florida at #3 and then drop them to #7 after a bye week? Texas at #8? VaTech #2? C’mon man, you need to actually watch games instead of reading box scores every Sunday morning.

Jackson R.

what is your justification for moving both Texas and Florida down? you’re going to penalize both teams for having a bye week. gotta be honest, you’re rankings are why the AP poll is load of BS.

Broncoboss

GBBS,
You continue to be an arrogant-ignorant pri_k!!! Keep up the good work and continue your fine work as a Cal spokesman…

Broncoboss

BTW Do all you quiet (very quiet) Cal bloggers still think that Tedford is the greatest coach of all time?…Do you guys still think he walks on water? The 09 annual Cal debacle is in full swing!!!Hopefully, Milo, Vint., PapaB, UCB, Meg, & the Mr. wonderful, GBBS will be able to car pool to the Nut Bowl in Frisco this Dec. Cal just needs 3 more wins to qualify! Washington State #4–maybe the #5 & 6 wins can come from winning two of the following: Washington, Arizona, or ASU…OSU, UCLA, & Stanford are probably sound losses for the Golden Bears…Boise State is ranked 6th in the AP polls and are on their way up…If they can run the table then BCS here we come.. Big Money & Big Win for BSU!!!

http://ksjs.org Michael Wright

Depth matters! Don’t give USC a flyer because their backup QB lost a game. Weren’t you trying to rank teams based on results!

If both win out, I’d rank USC over Boise based on a much tougher schedule.

http://ksjs.org Michael Wright

OKST’s only impressive win was at home vs UGA, HOUSTON WON AT OKST and beat Texas Tech.

If the quality of a loss matters, you need to penalize USC for the Washington loss.

Corky

Wilma- How could you have “considered” Arizona for your top 25 poll when you earlier stated that they have the 12th best QB situation in the Pac-10?? Also you so believed in ASU as a top 25 team, why no more??

Jacob Wang

Re: “What happens if Boise State finishes 12-0 and USC finishes 11-1, the loss coming without Barkley? The Trojans will have played a much tougher schedule, beaten far more quality teams, but they’d have a loss. Which team gets ranked higher?…you could make a case either way”: I hate the NCAA format. I wish the BCS would have a definitive rule.

GBBS

BroncoBlount -

I am so glad to see your insightful response. Clearly you disagree with me. This weekend BSU had a weak game against UC Davis. My criticism of BSU is strength of schedule. Play more than one ranked team a year and the criticism goes away. Outside of Oregon, what other ranked teams do you play? Play SJSU’s schedule and your team will have more respect. The WAC overall has a LOSING record and at quick glance seems to be the only conference where this is true.

When I say that the MWC teams should get a shot over BSU is based on who they play and their results. There is nothing personal, just my opinion. It is also the opinion of the Coaches and the AP that BSU’s record does not justify the ranking from last week. BSU went from 5th to 6th in both polls, even though they won. Why? My guess is that an unimpressive win over a FCS team. VT did not have an impressive win, but it was against a conference rival.

In the past, I have actually supported BSU’s case for more respect, but you my friend, have made it so much harder to like the team. It is great to have passion for your team, but don’t take hits to your team so personal.

No Cal is a victim of an uncreative offense and a defense that was easily exposed by Oregon. I know Cal couldn’t make major adjustments but I didn’t see the adjustments to either side of the ball that you would expect after knowing your entire scheme was exposed the week before. Which brings up a question…is it time for Cal to look for another Coach? No question Tedford can recruit. I just wonder if he can coach? Would a new coach with a great game plan be able to actually make Cal a NC competitor?

As for BSU, that is there challenge with the strength of schedule. This year the WAC stinks! And I am afraid my Spartans will not help the cause for BSU. However, I am all for them getting to the BCS, more money for the WAc, more money for State and we need it!

Spartan Fan

One more question for Wilner….what will it take for Auburn to gain some respect? You rank Oklahoma still high, yet Auburn is sitting with a 4-0 record and better schedule then Oklahoma. 24 is way too low, as well as what the rest of the people put them down at 17. Wilner…what will it take for you to actually rank Auburn higher?

MmmmKoolAid

Wilner, what no ASU?! Im shocked, SHOCKED! Have you not yet tired of looking like you have no clue on the Pac-10?

What happens if Boise State finishes 12-0 and USC finishes 11-1, the loss coming without Barkley? The Trojans will have played a much tougher schedule, beaten far more quality teams, but they’d have a loss. Which team gets ranked higher?

YOU ANSWERED YOUR OWN QUESTION. USC DESERVEDLY GETS RANKED HIGHER. BTW – PLAYS 13 GAMES THIS SEASON. EVEN AT 13-0, I’D BOOK THE BRONCOS A RETURN TRIP TO THE POINTSETTIA BOWL WHERE THEY LOST LAST YEAR AFTER GOING UNDEFEATED DURING THE SEASON.

GBBS

Trojan4Ever -

Sagarin’s SOS ranks Miami is #1, Washington is #2, Washington State #8 and Cal #9. I have no issue with $c being highly ranked, but based on Wilner’s “logic” having played ranked teams and his method of quality losses, I think Miami should be ranked ahead of $c at this point.

I also think that $c should have been in the NCG the last 2 years, has had one of the best 7 year runs in college football, and the west coast bias hurts them year in and year out.

GBBS

MmmKoolAid -

Did you watch any of the stanfurd game yesterday? They look good and I would not rule them out until they lose two games. I can’t tell you how hard that is for me to say as I would love to see them flounder year in and year out, but they are starting to show a life in their passing game. What may come back to haunt them is the two-way players.

Vintage Cal

Once again, espn’s Ted Miller calls out Wilner:

Ted Miller: Polls are interesting things, eh?

Is there some East Coast bias? Sure. Probably some. But consider the voting patterns of AP voters here. A strange thing happened on the way to East Coast bias — you have a lot of West Coast voters consistently voting Pac-10 teams lower than the rest of the country. And some of these polls are even more generous to the SEC than folks who live in SEC country.

Why? Maybe that’s the way they truly feel.

But of late I’ve been thinking about how the Internet has further clouded the rankings process.

Many voters have their own blogs where they post their votes. These blogs are commercial creations. They want traffic.

How does a blog generate traffic? One way is controversy.

Jack

Considering you are the only clown tht ranks this way, don’t you think it would be best to rethink your votes before publishing them. You are giving the AP a very bad name and also showing why its flawed. Maybe next week don’t light up that green before making picks. It could help.

Stanford Family

Looks like Boise dropped a spot in this week’s AP Poll, with V-Tech jumping over them. Let the Bronco poll slide begin. Teams with losses, that challenge themselves with tough games both in and out of conference, deserve to move ahead of an undefeated and unproven Boise State team.

MEG Hoopster

I was underwhelmed and underimpressed by BS University’s showing against UC Davis. BSU should drop even further in the polls next week. It is now USC’s turn to pass BSU in the polls. Go to Pollspeak (Wilner provides the link), take advantage of Pollstalker and vote Scott Wolf of the LA Daily News the “good voter of the week”. Why? Because he’s voting BSU at #12, the lowest of all AP voters.

With BSU’s pathetically weak slate of opponents (only 1 BCS conference school out of 13 games), which BSU chooses to schedule and play, does their record truly deserve a higher ranking? NO!

PapaBear

Happy to see the Pac-10 get some respect in many of the latest bowl projections, specifically having 2 teams (Oregon & USC) slotted in BCS bowls.

But there’s still an anti-Pac-10 bias with the pollsters. Any team from the Pac-10 that is 4-1 (ie: Stanford) deserves to be in the Top 25.

Regarding the USC vs Boise Question, the answer is obvious that USC deserves the higher ranking. But even more specific, if Stanford finishes 11-1 to Boise’s 13-0 the Cardinal deserve to be ranked higher than the Broncos.

Truest & Bluest

WILNER WRITES: As noted previously, Boise’s case for the BCS depends largely on Oregon’s performance. So far, so good for the Broncos.

I disagree. For sure, Oregon’s performance benefits Boise State. But one quality victory during a 13 game season should not be an adequate BCS résumé.

Stanford Yapping

If Oregon goes 11-1 and Boise finishes 13-0, the Ducks deserve to be ranked higher than the Broncos. As JW writes, “head-to-head can be the determining factor for only a couple weeks, because at some point results come in that dictate a change.”

Case in point = last year. Boise beat Oregon, but by season’s end did anybody really believe Boise was the better team? No way! And it was proven during the bowl season, when the 9-3 Ducks dismantled the Big 12 offensive power OK-State while the 12-0 Broncos lost to the MWC’s runner-up TCU.

Nebraska: “Last-second loss at VaTech looks better by the week and more than offsets the cupcake wins. It’s about proving you belong and that can be done with a win or loss, as long as it’s a quality win or loss.”
Oklahoma State: “Had expected to drop OSU because of Houston’s loss, but I couldn’t find a team with a better resume — the victory over Georgia loses no luster because the Dawgs lost in the final minute to LSU.”

So let me get this – it is ok for Nebraska to have cupcakes and not ok for Ohio State?
Also, Ok State’s victory over Georgia SHOULD lose luster because Georgia happens to be a fraud. Why go with the brand name? Georgia simply is not a good enough team to deserve the kind of respect they have been getting! Getting beat by an average Ok State team was the first, almost losing to ASU was the next and then giving up an almost win to LSU (which itself is a fraud this year) are ample proofs.

And finally, you think Ok State, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Ohio State are better than the Ducks??? Ducks’ only loss was to now #5 and your darling Boise State. Shouldn’t the fact that if BSU keeps winning, Oregon’s loss would seem not as bad? Also, Ducks thumped the then #6 Cal. Shouldn’t that be a good resume builder?

Suppose you say that Cal is not that good so the Ducks’ win loses luster. Then why doesn’t the same apply to Georgia being a bad team??

Come on Jon – give up on the love for the Big 12. It is not a good conference this year. Give up on your love for the traditional SEC “powerhouses” like Georgia and SCar. Look at the now, and not the then!

nonplussed

Cal didn’t get a single vote in the AP this week. Not one. As an Old Blue I would say the writers got it right.

Spartan Fan

Meg, et. all,

Please tell me what is it like to be “The Man”? Do you also kick dogs and children? Pull people over randomly for no reason at all? I am just curious. There seems to be a lot of hatred for a team like Boise who comes from a smaller conference and may actually claim a check for itself and the rest of the WAC by attending and probably winning a BCS bowl. Well guess what as Bob Dylan says….times are a changing. The rest of the “mid-majors” are tired of taking it, and like it or not you need us as much as we need you.

Broncoboss

Spartan Fan,
Meg is one angry, pathetic, jealous dude, or dudette! Meg’s team is a pile of you know what so she/he tries to attack a quality & successful BSU football program…Nothing worse than an angry-jealous loser!!!

Ohio State fan

Seriously? You rank a highly talented and undefeated Florida team 7th? Seriously?

You are the poster child for what is wrong with the rankings process.

7th?

Seriously?

Nickybudda

It is painful to read your “analysis” of college football. How can you spend all of your time following college football and know so little about it? Isn’t Mrs. Wilner working somewhere else now? Can’t she get you another job, but this time doing something you have a clue about? You seem like you’d be good at writing articles about taking care of cats or making hats out of old plastic 2 liter bottles.

Broncoboss

Jon,
How can you put Boise State below:
USC, who lost to lowly Washington
and
Miami, who got routed a few weeks ago by Va Tech
and
Cincinnati, who barely beat Fresno State (Boise routed Fresno)
and
Boise State= #5 maybe #6 come on Jon get on the Boise train!

GBBS

BroncoBoss has a point with Cincinnati, a team with a lower Sagarin SOS rating (103 compared to BSU’s 73) has played no one. Big East love Mr. Wilner? Several one-loss teams have played tougher schedules than these teams. In addition, you don’t rank Auburn due to its cupcake schedule, but you rank these teams??? Auburns SOS ranks 61st, and a 5 – 0 record seems to warrant a better ranking.

PapaBear

bronco-blount: A team that plays 4 nationally ranked teams (including 2 on the road) and goes 3-1 (as Miami has) deserves to be ranked higher than undefeated Boise who has only played one ranked team and played that game at home. You are aware that Boise’s 5 opponents to date are a combined 7-16?